Abstract: Small, low molecular weight compounds of the formula I and/or the formula II, as defined herein, which inhibit Cu-ATPases, ATP7A and ATP7B. Compositions and methods therefore, are provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for reversing and/or inhibiting inflammation, e.g., by inhibiting prostaglandin and/or COX-2 production, using one or more indolequinazoline alkaloids, preferably in combination with butylated hydroxytoluene. The preferred indolequinazoline alkaloids are rutaecarpine, evodiamine, and dehydroevodiamine, which are naturally found in unpurified form in the traditional Chinese medicine Wu Chu Yu made from the fruit of the herb, Evodia rutaecarpa.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for genetically counseling a person based on one or more polymorphisms in his or her genes that sensitize him or her to toxic agents. Methods are also disclosed for genetically screening a group of individuals and/or a human population, based on, for example, ethnicity, race, religion or geographic region, to identify individuals with such polymorphisms for counseling. The methods can be used to counsel a person who has not been genetically tested for polymorphisms but who might have increased risk for sensitivity to toxic agents due to his or her membership in a particular group and/or population. The methods use correlations between genotypes of polymorphic alleles in a panel of cell lines and sensitivity of the cell lines to toxic agents. As examples, the methods are used to identify genotypes of allelic forms of the genes TP53, OGG1, ERCC2, XRCC1, and NOS3 that increase sensitivity or resistance of cells to toxic agents.

Abstract: Recombinant forms of DNA sequences for CPD glycosylases, including the bacteriophage T4 gene denV, are described that are capable of expression at high levels. Active CPD glycosylases can be recovered from inclusion bodies resulting from the high expression using, for example, a homogenization process which employs stream mixing, and the active proteins can be used in, for example, topical formulations for treatment of photosensitive diseases. Stream mixing can also be used to solubilize inclusion bodies containing proteins other than CPD glycosylases.

Abstract: The invention provides T4 endonuclease V compositions that exhibit enhanced stability, including stability at non-refrigerated temperatures, through reduced activity of cryptic proteases. Methods for detecting cryptic protease activity and methods for reducing such activity are also provided.